Orlando may be landlocked but the ocean is pretty darn close. Fresh seafood from the Atlantic and the Gulf abound less than an hour away, which explains why we have so many Orlando seafood restaurants ready to satisfy your seafood cravings. Here are our favorites ranging from super casual spots to refined experiences for a memorable date night.
Another great way to enjoy fresh seafood is by heading to one of these awesome Waterfront Restaurants in Orlando (and nearby).
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Seafood Restaurants in Winter Park
Let’s start off with a date night destination that is full of great places. Winter Park itself is a special city in the Orlando area, and within Winter Park there are unique neighborhoods and districts. We love a night along Park Avenue and quite a few places in Winter Park made it onto our list of Most Romantic Restaurants in Orlando.
Winter Park Fish Company
The Winter Park Fish Company is the spot to go for great, fast casual seafood in Winter Park. With their fun and kitchy decor and their diverse menu, they offer something for everyone. Most of their seating is outdoors with limited tables inside.
Most sea(foodies) have a pet peeve about ordering a lobster roll and getting mostly bread and mayonnaise. At WPFC, you get huge chunks of lobster that overflow out of the bun. However, if you are looking for something a little less pricey, try their tasty fish tacos. They don’t take reservations, so get there early or be prepared for a little wait time.
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen and Bar
For the perfect balance between a sophisticated seafood restaurant with a casual and welcoming atmosphere, head to Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen and Bar. The quality of their raw bar rivals that of the high-end spots at some of the luxury hotels in Orlando. And yet, you can come as you are. When you enter Reel Fish a small dining room and long bar welcome you in. Then a second dining room with an impressive raw bar make it known right away that great seafood is served here.Outdoor seating is also available.
Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen is one of our picks for the best brunch in Orlando. Reservations are highly recommended for brunch and dinner. Everything is made from scratch here, so your dining experience may take a little longer than in other spots, but it is worth the wait.
Atlantic Beer & Oyster
Our last stop in Winter Park is the most casual and feels like a secret spot. Tucked inside a hidden courtyard off Park Avenue, Atlantic Beer & Oyster, or ABO for short, is a must-visit for oyster fans. The menu is small but mighty. Besides a vast variety of oysters a few small plates and sandwiches round out the offerings.
The seafood shack atmosphere makes it a great spot for a casual afternoon or early evening. The hours can vary, and sometimes are different than what is posted on their website.
Casual Orlando Seafood Restaurants
The Current Seafood Counter
Located in Sanford and College Park
A favorite Orlando seafood restaurant among those in Seminole County is not a restaurant per se. It’s a seafood counter. The Current Seafood Counter is inside Henry’s Depot Food Hall, brings in fresh catches daily. Their menu and specials change based on whatever is freshest straight from the shorelines of Florida. If a Mahi Mahi Sandwich is on the menu, do not hesitate to order it. And the Old Bay fries are a must.
After ordering your food, head a few steps down to The Basin – a wonderful Florida-themed bar. Grab something cold to drink while your fresh seafood is prepared.
Great news – The Current Seafood Counter in College Park is now open! Same great fresh seafood, in an expanded Orlando location!
The Waterfront Orlando
Located in South Orlando
The quality and freshness of the seafood at The Waterfront near South Downtown Orlando will make you feel like you’re right on the ocean. This super casual lakeside spot is a must-do among many locals who have discovered the beachy atmosphere, delicious seafood, and affordable prices. Parking gets a little tight on nights and weekends, so try to get there early.
Related: Kid Friendly Restaurants in Orlando with playgrounds and play spaces
Boston Fish House
Located in Winter Park (Aloma)
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While this restaurant is nothing new to us long-time residents, it is still worth a mention on this list. First opened in 1988, this “fish house” has been serving up fresh fried seafood for over 30 years. A must try on the BFH menu is the Ipswich Whole Belly clams. These deep fried pieces of deliciousness are well known in the northeast but not by many southerners.
Lee & Rick’s Oyster Bar
Located in Orlando
No list of seafood experiences in this town is complete without mentioning Lee & Rick’s. They are an institution in Central Florida. Their famous 80-foot-long concrete shucking bar seats up to 50 people. So if you are in the mood for some good oysters, a cold beer, and friendly service, this is the place to go. Their ship-shaped building has also become somewhat of a tourist attraction, so if you have friends in from out of town and want to feel cool and in the know, take them here.
Open since 1950, this place is older than Walt Disney World.
King Cajun Crawfish of Orlando
Located in Mills 50 district of Orlando
Ask any local in the Mills 50 area where to go for seafood their answer will most likely be King Cajun Crawfish of Orlando. They offer crab, oysters, lobster, clams, and shrimp, as well as their namesake crawfish. You can pick a seasoning and spice level. This is not a place to come on a first or even third date. Your eyes will be watering and your nose will be running, so make sure you’re ready for your date to be super casual.
Oh, and you’ll really want to wear that bib the server brings out.
The Nauti Lobstah
Historic downtown Apopka
Step inside a historic building that’s been home to local seafood in Orlando for over 30 years. The Nauti Lobstah is a new establishment that takes over for a beloved local restaurant. The Catfish Place in Apopka changed hands to become The Nauti Lobstah, which serves a perfect balance of classic recipes from The Catfish Place plus their own new modern spin on New England seafood.
Every single item on the menu is fresh, made from scratch, and sure to satisfy. The Connecticut Lobster Roll is a hit but don’t overlook the fresh clams, oysters, and fresh fish. And their steaks are top-notch and delicious!
The cozy, sea-shanty atmosphere is great for a casual date and it’s kid-friendly too. Curl up with a cup of Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, or cheers with a tasty cocktail. There is a cozy little bar area with just a handful of seats.
Note this family restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Salt Shack on the Lake
Located in Clermont
This new spot offers wild-caught seafood and family fun off Highway 50 in Historic Downtown Clermont, right on Lake Minneola. Salt Shack on the Lake offers fresh fish and seafood caught by skilled fishermen of the Gulf to compliment its seasonal, Caribbean-inspired menu. Treat yourself to an island-infused craft cocktail that will take your tastebuds on a wave of flavor.
Salt Shack’s sister location is a rustic-refined beach getaway just off the Gandy Bridge in South Tampa that we love. The tasty food and atmosphere seal the deal. There are very few places I don’t mind waiting for a table, and Salt Shack is one of them.
Upscale Orlando Seafood Restaurants
Dress up nice, prim, and prep for a memorable date night. Few things are as sexy as dining on sumptuous seafood and sipping on sophisticated wine together. These upscale seafood restaurants will surely impress your date.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Located at Pointe Orlando
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Do you have a date to impress or a special anniversary to celebrate? This is the place. Oceanaire is the epitome of a fancy seafood restaurant. Don’t let that deter you though, as the food is as good as it is fancy. One of the more impressive and delicious items to order is the Alaska Red King Crab. The leg will probably be as long as your dining partner’s arm.
Reservations are strongly recommended.
Todd English’s bluezoo
Located at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin
Todd English’s bluezoo Orlando seafood restaurant located in Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort is truly a work of art. The glass, lighting, and decor really give you a chic under-the-ocean feel. One of the coolest items on their menu is “this evening’s dancing fish.” Several fish are skewered on a very unusual rotisserie system that can be seen as you walk through the bar area and past the grill. It looks as if they are standing on their tails, dancing over the coals. The fish is roasted and then filleted tableside.
It is as chic and impressive as the surroundings.
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Sear + Sea Woodfire Grill
Located in the JW Marriott Bonnet Creek
Don’t let the name fool you, this restaurant is WAY more than just a steakhouse. In addition to grilled prime cuts of quality meats, they also have loads of fresh seafood and a 1,200 bottle wine cellar. It is even listed as a recommended restaurant in the 2024 MICHELIN Guide.
Take in the modern decor in an upscale setting without the stuffy, pretentious atmosphere. Begin your culinary adventure with the octopus before diving into a delicious dry-aged prime angus beef. There are generous options of sides, accompaniments, and sauces to enhance your palate. The staff are delighted to suggest a wine pairing for your meal.
Eddie V’s
Located at Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips area
Prepare for a stunning date night. Eddie V’s is one of the most gorgeous seafood restaurants in Orlando and it is a great choice for any special occasion. Anniversaries, birthdays, and other special gatherings are a great reason to dine here and the service is usually spot-on. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
The Boathouse
Located at Disney Springs
One of the first restaurants to open inside the new Disney Springs, The Boathouse is a sight to see. It is part restaurant, part nautical museum, and part cruise line port. Besides lush seafood dinners, a variety of steakhouse-style dishes are on the menu. And brunch is offered on the weekends. The atmosphere is hard to beat thanks to the mini-marina and dockside outdoor bar. What could be a more perfect way to enjoy a seafood dinner than with a glass of wine in hand and nautical views.
Related: Outdoor Dining Guide: 75+ Places to Eat Outside in Orlando
Lombardi’s Seafood
This final stop is no longer offering a dine-in experience, but it is such an Orlando institution it still needs to be on this list of seafood spots. Lombardi’s is the place to go to purchase the freshest seafood. For a gourmet date night at home, you can go to Lombardi’s website, browse their numerous recipes, and try whipping up one of their excellent dishes at home. Doesn’t get easier than that!
Four Flamingos
Situated within the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Four Flamingos is a new concept by Richard Blais, beloved as the Top Chefs: All-Stars winner. The menu truly shines a light on the best foods from our Sunshine State, from fresh-caught surf and fire-grilled turf.
Featuring a large raw & chilled seafood selection, their Smorgasbord Platter that includes a daily selection of chilled seafood & snacks come served in a tower and is more than worth the price tag. You also can go wrong with their fresh raw oysters served with a seasonal housemade Mignonette.
Other seafood restaurants worth a visit:
- High Tide Harry’s – near the Orlando International Airport
- Grills Seafood and Tiki Bar – great lakefront dining
- deep blu Seafood Grille – near Walt Disney World
- Big Fin Seafood Kitchen – Sand Lake Road, Dr. Phillips area
Featured image The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Source: https://t-tees.com
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